Despite every entry in the Legend of Zelda series offering new ideas, mechanics, and narratives, a few common elements can be found in each one. Items like the boomerang or bombs have been a staple since the original NES title, and Rupees are the main currency in each iteration of Hyrule that you visit.

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One other thing you might notice in each Legend of Zelda game is Link's ability to pick up and play nearly any instrument that he touches. Every version of Link is a virtuoso and multi-instrumentalist - like Trent Reznor or the kid from the 2007 film August Rush - and has played several magical instruments to save the day. Each instrument plays differently and has different mechanics and effects, but not all of them can hit the same high notes.

10 Spirit Flute - Spirit Tracks

Toon Link plays the Spirit Flute outside by an Air Stone

The pan flute always seemed like an inevitable instrument for Link to play one day, especially once the mainline Legend of Zelda games started launching on the DS. The built-in microphone on the console may seem like an intuitive way to play a woodwind instrument, but it ends up being more of a nuisance than anything else.

The concept is interesting, but the execution of playing the Spirit Flute is more frustrating than it should be. The microphone on the DS is sensitive and often plays notes even if you're not blowing into it. You will also need to turn off any fans around you, so it doesn't interfere with the song. Manually blowing air into your console to play an instrument is fun, until you have to do it twenty times.

9 Grass Whistle - Twilight Princess

Link uses a Grass Whistle in Ordon Village

During the opening hours of Twilight Princess, Link is merely a rancher in Ordon Village. He assists the locals, herds goats, and more. If he ever needs a hand with his tasks, though, he can use a grass whistle to call for help.

There are two different kinds of grass that Link can whistle with. Hawk Grass summons a hawk to help him reach distant items or attack incoming foes. Horse Grass, on the other hand, can be used to call Epona to your side. You won't use the grass whistle much, but its simplicity allows it to stand out.

Irene flies over Link while he is standing on a bridge

The bell is one of the easier instruments for Link to play, and while it's mostly known for its use in A Link Between Worlds, it's been showing up in the Zelda franchise since the early 90s. The first appearance of the bell was in Link: The Faces of Evil for the Philips CD-i and was used to stop flying enemies for a few seconds.

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Faces of Evil aside, the bell is best known for its ability to summon Irene the witch, who can transport Link to any activated fast-travel points in A Link Between Worlds. Both Hyrule and Lorule are massive, so being able to quickly move between locations saves you a lot of time and makes exploring even more fun.

7 Harp Of Ages - Oracle Of Ages

Link holds the Harp of Ages in a dungeon

Many of Link's adventures send him through time to achieve his goal. Whether he goes forwards or backward, there is always a vital clue or item for him to find. In Oracle of Ages, Link uses to Harp of Ages to save the land of Labrynna from the Sorceress of Shadows, Veran.

The harp allows Link to travel between the past and present of Labrynna. Similar to A Link Between Worlds, there are two maps that you must travel between to solve puzzles, complete quests, and save the day. The Harp of Ages is only capable of playing three songs, but each one makes navigating Labrynna much easier.

6 Flute - The Legend Of Zelda

Link holds the Flute in the basement of a dungeon

The flute - or recorder in some cases - is one of the first instruments Link finds and plays in the series. The flute is essential in the Hero of Time's first adventure, as he must use it to drain a lake that blocks the entrance to one of the final dungeons. You can also use the flute to teleport Link to any completed dungeon.

Flutes would continue to appear in the next couple of Zelda games - The Adventure of Link and A Link To The Past. It's required to solve environmental puzzles and make progress in the former, while it's used for fast travel in the latter.

5 Goron Drums - Majora's Mask

Goron Link plays the Drums in the snowy mountains

Throughout The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, Link can change his form by using a variety of masks. As he navigates the mountains in the Snowhead Region, he receives the Goron Mask. Whenever Link changes into a Goron, his Ocarina also transforms into a set of drums.

The Goron Drums - or the Drums of Sleep - allow Link to finally let loose and play the rare percussion instrument. While the Drums are only needed to make progress in the Snowhead Region, it's still fun to pull them out to bang on, or you could use them to cover one of your favorite songs.

4 Zora Guitar - Majora's Mask

Mikau plays the Guitar in a spotlight

One of the final transformations in Majora's Mask turns Link into a guitar-playing Zora. Mikau is the lead guitarist in an all-Zora band known as The Indigo-Go's, but is fatally wounded in an attempt to recover his partner's eggs from pirates. After Link saves Mikau and completes his mission, the guitar player passes and leaves his instrument and mask for Link to use.

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Firstly, the design of the Zora Guitar is incredible. The body of the guitar is the skeleton of a fish, which is metal as hell. It's ultimately the sentimental story surrounding the guitar that elevates it above the Goron Drums, considering Mikau and Lulu's story is one of the most interesting and tragic in the game.

3 Deku Pipes - Majora's Mask

Deku Link plays the Pipes in the roof of the clock tower

It's not an understatement when people say that Majora's Mask is the strangest Zelda title. Within the opening hour, Link is ambushed by a pair of fairies and a Skull Kid. After chasing them through a harrowing cave, Link finally confronts Skull Kid, but is turned into a Deku Scrub by the mischievous antagonist.

You will play as Deku Scrub Link for the first couple of hours of the game, much longer than you need to play as the Goron or Zora. Alongside your new look is a set of stellar pipes that create beautiful blasts of noise whenever you play them. The pipes sound great, and Deku Link looks fantastic as they tower over his head.

2 Goddess's Harp - Skyward Sword

Link holds up the Goddess's Harp in a dungeon

Though it hasn't been officially confirmed by Nintendo, its often speculated that the first appearance of the Goddess's Harp was in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Sheik carries a harp that looks similar and seems to possess the same magical qualities as the one Link uses in Skyward Sword.

Like most of these instruments, the Goddess's Harp is essential for Link to make progress in his attempts to save Zelda from Ghirahim. The songs you learn to play on it will open new paths toward dungeons and other locations. Playing the harp is also surprisingly fun with motion controls, and if you play a song at the correct tempo, Fi will start to sing along, making the songs even more relaxing and enjoyable.

1 Ocarina Of Time - Ocarina Of Time

Link plays the Ocarina of Time in the forest

Not only is the Ocarina of Time the most iconic instrument that Link can play, but it may also be one of the most recognizable instruments in video games. The woodwind instrument featured prominently in both Zelda titles for the N64 and continues to appear in games like Super Smash Bros. and Hyrule Warriors.

This mysterious relic is protected by the Royal Family of Hyrule and is supposedly brimming with endless power. Link ends up owning it after Zelda flees from Ganondorf, and must use it effectively to save her and the world at large. The Ocarina of Time is capable of summoning storms, calling Epona, and warming your heart every time you hear its sweet-sounding melodies.

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